Markets and Regional commerce

Chicago is like many big cities that takes pride in self-sufficiency. Of course we all know how interdependent people and places are in our global economy. Goods and services traffic borders of all sorts, political and ecological. We also know that the big headlines are made by the big players, the freight cars rolling across the country, the goods transshipped up the Mississippi from Asian origins, but consider the farmer and his or her truck, Chicago certainly is.

Chicago is also taking pride in becoming a green city. A system of 24 farmer's markets has grown over the last 20-30 years, roadside stands proliferate across the metropolitan area. Farmers from as far away as Arkansas sell goods at these markets, but between gasoline prices constraining some farmers and the more positive desire of the City to promote local commerce, comes the invitation to Wisconsin farmers to join Chicago markets.

The City of Chicago recently organized a farm forum to answer questions and promote participation in the City's markets. With an interest in speciality food and fruit, and a large supply of both in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan, the possibilities for direct sales are rapidly growing.

What problems might farmers face? First, that they be required to be at the Market! The growing season requires the farmer to have a doppleganger, but there is no such solution, instead, long work days pervade the farmer's spring and summer. Flexibility at these markets is key to obtaining interest and maintaing a presence from the local producer. Markets must have a flexible system that permits farmers to share vending spaces or alternate the days they attend or designate a knowledgeable substitute to sell their merchandise. Sure, farmers have to make money, but they have other interests and needs as well and so how a market is organized is key to bringing the farm to market.